New Apple patent hints at hybrid MacBook

Apple has filed for a new patent with the US Trademark and Patent Office. The new patent suggests a hybrid device in which the base stand will have the keyboard and the display will be removable from the base stand.

A patent has been filed by Apple, which hints at a hybrid MacBook Pro. The unique thing about this patent is that the hybrid in question will boast of wireless display technology on the removable display.

The patent is titled “Wireless display for electronic devices,” and the abstract filed with the US Trademark and Patent Office reads, “A computer including a base and a display selectively removable from the base. The base includes a processor, a base wireless chip, and a power source. The display includes a screen for displaying a video output, a display wireless chip in communicating with the base wireless chip, and a power wireless chip in communication with the power source. The base wireless chip transmits data from the processor to the display. Also, when the display is at least in one position with respect to the base, the power source transmits power to the power transition member of the display.”

This isn’t the first time that we are seeing a hybrid device where the display is removable from the base. The unique thing to Apple’s device is that it supports wireless inductive charging. How the wireless inductive charging would work is something we will wait and see once, or if, the device becomes a reality. It is also possible that the device in question is a prototype and may never actually see the light of day.

Since the days of the late Steve Jobs, Apple has never been a fan of the touchscreen computer, unless they have somehow changed their mind under new management. Steve Jobs was always against a smaller version of the iPad but we have seen the iPad mini hit store shelves. Could we see touchscreens and laptop/tablet hybrids make an appearance too?